Mount Abu Travelogues and travel stories

Mount Abu is located at 225 km from Ahmedabad. The hill station, once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan, is well-connected to Ahmedabad by roadways and railways. However, the best way to reach Mount Abu from Ahmedabad is by car, a journey of about 4 hours. Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India, near the border with Gujarat. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m 5,650 ft above sea level. The nearest train station is Abu Road railway station: 28 km away. Mount Abu town, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is at an elevation of 1,220 m 4,003 ft. It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat for centuries. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 km² of the mountain. 

The mountain is home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Dattatreya built at Guru Shikhar peak, Jain temples Dilwara Temples, Vimal Vasahi temple, built-in 1021 CE by Vimal Shah, Achaleswar Mahadev Temple, Kantinath Temple. It is the location of the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris.

When we went Dilwara Temples: At a very short distance of 5 km lie these wonderfully carved Jain temples dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries A.D. Rated as among the finest of Indian temples, it is recommended that any visitor to Rajasthan include them on his itinerary. The marble architecture here is comparable with the best. Then we went to Vimala - Vasahi Temple: This is the oldest temple in the complex, built-in 1030 A.D. by Vimala Shah, a minister in the Government of Gujarat, to atone for his earthly sins. He dedicated it to Adinath, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras, and the central shrine has an image of Adinath. The massive work involved in the temple took fourteen years to complete. The temple has been designed in an austere fashion on the outside, but the ornateness strikes you immediately as you enter through the gateway

The Achalgarh Fort, built in the 14th century by Kumbha of Mewar, is nearby and at its centre is the popular visitor attraction of the Nakki Lake. The Toad Rock is on a hill near the lake. Close to the fort is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, a popular Shiva temple. The Durga Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside Mount Abu town.

Guru Shikar 

Guru Shikhar, is must-watch viewpoint at the peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres 5,650 ft. It is 15 km from Mount Abu and a road from there leads almost to the top of the mountain. It is named Guru-Shikhar or ‘the peak of the guru’ after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Vishnu, and a cave at the summit contains a temple dedicated to him, plus one dedicated his mother, Anasuya, wife of sage Atri nearby. The highest point of Aravalli mountain range is one most scenic place of Mount Abu. After we visited Sunset Point, we had our breakfast and then we went to Guru Shikhar. This point is not only famous for its panoramic view but also its temple of Guru Dattatreya. This was the only day of our trip when we witnessed a clear blue sky and beautiful sun. Because after this day it started raining. But I am grateful for this sunny day because I saw the sun falling in love with the Earth and lighting the whole sky with love. The place is perfect for photography, relaxing around and just looking at the panoramic view.

Dilwara Jain Temples:

Dilwara Temple is a group of remarkable Jain temples. Among the finest examples of these are two temples in which the art of carving marble has reached unsurpassed heights. The older of the temples is the ‘Vimal Vasahi’, built-in 1031 and dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath. In the front of the temple stands the ‘House of Elephants’, with figures of elephants marching in procession to the temple entrance. The later built ‘Tejpal Temple’ is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, and was built in 1230 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. The carving is so fine that, in places, the marble becomes almost transparent. Dilwara Temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupal-Tejpal, Jain laymen, between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and, are famous for their use of and intricate marble carvings. The five marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world… The temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are during a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex. Although Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan, Dilwara temples are believed to be the most beautiful example of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous

Toad rock

A toad-like rock formation distinguishes this rocky lookout point with Nakki Lake view. The lake view from this place is awesome, Toad Rock in Mount Abu. …This is the rock that's carved out in the form of a toad.

Nakki Lake

Nakki Lake is virtually located in the heart of Mount Abu and is a big attraction with tourists. The lake takes its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a God, using only his nails, or nakh. While taking a stroll along the lake, look for the strange rock formations. On the lake, there is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack bar. Toad rock and the Maharaja’s palace can be seen in the background of the Nakki Lake. 

The lake is in the length of about a half-mile and width about of a quarter of a mile and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards the dam on the west. It is an important tourist attraction of Mount Abu. There is the Toad Rock on a hill near the lake. Toad rock is so-called as it looks like a toad about to jump into the lake, from the side of the rock facing the lake. There are two ways to go up and down the rock; to climb the rocky hillside or to use the steps leading down to Nakki Lake. By the side of the lake, there is a path leading to Sunset Point. It is forbidden to climb to Sunset Point due to dangerous bandits living around the path to Sunset Point. Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace are also on hills near the Lake. Boating in the lake and horse rides around the lake are available.

By the time when we reached Mount Abu, it was already late afternoon, so we decided to have our lunch and to visit Nakki Lake. There is no entry fee, but boating charges will be applicable. Not only just boating but water sport like the aqua ball was also available there. And if you don’t want to indulge in any of these, then just visit this place for some relaxing time with your friends and family. The river looked beautiful at night, reflecting the colours of the city, the dark huge mountains around, which looks scary and mysterious at night. The place is a must-visit if you are in Mount Abu. Surrounded by many restaurants, shops, it is a perfect place to spend some time do some shopping and have food before leaving the place.

The nights always look beautiful in hill stations, and if it is full moon night then you may experience one of the most beautiful views. The mountains, tall trees and the moon peeping at us from behind the dark trees.